Milan Zver, Slovenia
Milan Zver, Slovenia

Author(s): Milan Zver
Subject(s): Politics, Education, Media studies, Government/Political systems, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
Published by: Ústav pro studium totalitních režimů
Summary/Abstract: My intention is not to intimidate but rather to warn or remind all of us of the “fragility”, weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the newly established democracies in Europe and beyond, although – I have to stress right at the beginning – I do not agree with H. P Martin (former MEP), who produced the thesis of the End of (EU) democracy. However, let me present you with some facts and expectations from 20 years ago – which I would argue are important to explain my point of view. Well, what happened at the end of the eighties? Firstly: Democracy triumphed in Europe. At that time the third wave of the spread Democracy took place in Europe and in the world and so it seemed the end of totalitarian regimes in Europe had finally materialized. Secondly: Even more, some talked about the Triumph of Western Civilisation over the rest of the world, with the domination of its culture and market economy. The End of Ideologies and History is Fukuyama’s famous thesis. Thirdly: On that basis a rapid and successful transition to a democratic system was predicted by mass movements and new elites. The phenomenon of a new democratic culture seemed at the time to be unstoppable.

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